My top buys of 2020 and the brands behind them
** Full disclosure - there’s some language in this post that may make some people raise an eyebrow. But you can’t say I didn’t warn you! 😉
2020 was a year for the books! In a lot of ways, while not a conventional year, it was a great year all the same! We found joy in the little things and were thankful for every day of health. During a global pandemic, you become immensely appreciative of living on a small island. To date, we’ve had just over 100 cases of COVID and no deaths or hospitalizations. We know how lucky we are and we’re not taking a moment of our time for granted. Over the last year, we’ve learned to enjoy our home time, cook all our meals at home, streamlined our grocery trips, minimized our waste, and are much more mindful.
On my quest to reduce our waste I found some amazing items that have quickly become staples in our home! I cannot say enough good things about them and I NEED to share them with you. Their brand identities and tone of voice are also top-notch! There is lots to learn from these stand-out companies!
5. Reusable sandwich bags by Full Circle
Ditch the toxic elements, with these sustainable sandwich bags. Our Earth is currently facing an abundance of environmental concerns. It is imperative that we do our part to alleviate our carbon footprint. These sandwich bags do just that! Not only are they stylish, but they also help reduce plastic in our landfills and our oceans.
These bags will open up cupboard space from those bulky ziplock bag boxes and that folx, is a win! If you have a multiple person household or simply packing up for a picnic, you can label and wipe clean with a dry erase marker. My organizational side is thrilled with this feature. With all of these amazing inclusions, they are easily washed, cleaned, and stored. No matter what your adventure these Full Circle Reusable Ziptuck Sandwich Bags go the extra mile. I bought these for my sister, my mother, my friends - I was like the Oprah of reusable baggies this past Christmas. You get a Full Circle baggie and you get a Full Circle baggie! Full Circle baggies for everyone!
Full Circle Home was founded to educate customers on the importance and their role to help improve the health of our earth. The mission of Full Circle is to produce sustainable home care products that are stylishly designed, functional, and environmentally friendly. Helping to teach consumers how to live a more eco-friendly life and preserve the world we live in. In today’s society, we are pressured to help mend the mistakes of our past. These types of products are inspirational to the younger generation as they are becoming more and more concerned with our environment. Plus who wants a plastic bag when you can have a beautiful innovative reusable sandwich bag. The decision is NO brainer in my opinion.
4. Period underwear by Thinx
If you’re tired of dealing with tampons or having to get up in the middle of the night to make that emergency change, Period underwear by Thinx is the answer for you. Their underwear can hold up to 5 tampons worth of liquid. Are you as shocked and awed as much as me?
The best part of these underwear is that they are washable, reusable, and are constructed to replace pads and tampons. Another winner winner chicken dinner! When I first tried these I was a bit skeptical but after one use they made me feel so much better and that’s an unusual feeling when your monthly friend arrives.
My favorite part of the Thinx brand is how they came to fruition. Three friends dealt with some gnarly period accidents and were determined to find a solution to the issue. For them and for women all around the world. The company’s mission is to deliver products for people to manage bodily functions and feel fantastic while doing it. They recently expanded their business and product offer to be multi-generational. Their brand voice is open and honest - like an older friend letting you in on a helpful little secret. They’re dedicated to changing the narrative around periods and bladder leaks by offer solutions for every body.
3. Travel Mug by Yeti
These Yeti Travel Mugs are simply amazing! Living on the East Coast of Canada we can get some pretty gruelling winter snow. Whether you are commuting or enjoying the wintery outdoors the Yeti Travel Mug will keep any liquid piping hot for hours. And by any liquid I mean that secret hot chocolate and Bailey’s, that we all sneak in occasionally. Or alternatively, if you are lounging on the beach on a hot summer day your ice-cold cocktail is sure to remain refreshing.
These tumblers are built for destruction, they are so durable that they are made from stainless steel and vacuum insulation which helps protect your hot or cold beverages at all costs. In comparison to your local coffee shop cups the Yeti Tumbler will keep the temperature of your beverage longer, making your drink more enjoyable. They come in a variety of sizes to satisfy any thirst. The
Unsurprisingly, the Northwoods Green collection is my favourite and I adore the brand story behind it.
Yeti was born from two brothers who had a passion for the outdoors. They were unsatisfied with your standard cooler capabilities. So what do you do when you don’t like something? You create it yourself. The drive for Yeti was to create functioning outdoor products that are built to last. Go and get yours today, trust me you won’t be disappointed.
2. Defy bra by Evelyn & Bobbie
If you are anything like me, I find it so challenging to find a bra that is pretty, comfortable, and practical. Consistently struggling with the wires poking into my side, indents in my shoulders, general discomfort and that bulge we all hate. When I discovered the Evelyn & Bobbie: Defy Bra it was like a gift from the Gods, and my girls have never been happier.
These bras are seamless and light as a feather yet creates that lift we all strive for. The best part of these bras is that there are NO WIRES. Scream and shout ladies it is a celebration! The Defy Bra is so versatile it is the perfect bra for your day to day life and built to withstand your workout routine. It is so weightless and it almost feels as though you are not wearing anything at all.
“For people with Boobs. By People with Boobs” Bree McKeen CEO and Founder. The company was founded by Bree’s Grandmother and Aunt, Evelyn and Bobbie, In New York City in the 1930s at the age of 16. Where they were determined to define their own success. My favorite part of the production of these bras is how they are tested. Evelyn & Bobbie test their bra’s on hundreds of different bodies to ensure a perfect fit for everyone. This almost brings tears to my eyes as I can not tell you the brassiere struggle most folx including myself face. Treat yourself you will never go back!
"We exist to participate in the advancement of our industry and culture. Taking your comfort back is of historical significance. Beauty doesn't exist with out purpose." – BREE MCKEEN, CEO & FOUNDER
1. Bidet by Tushy
The number one winner is the Tushy Bidet. Honestly, I was always a bit skeptical about (and scared of) a bidet but let me tell you it changed my life. Ditch the TP and join me on the clean Tushy train. The system will wash your bum with fresh steam of water after your movement.
The system is seamless and does not require any electricity or plumbing. It includes an automatic self-cleaning nozzle, shield for easy cleaning, natural anti-microbial nozzle, and optimized pressure and angle for controlled spray on your pooper. The major benefits of the bidet are that it provides a better clean than your standard toilet paper, eco-friendly (which is a trend here), cost-effective, gentle on your skin, and prevents clogged toilets. This has definitely changed my bathroom experience for life!
The Tushy company defines themselves as the Toilet Crusaders fighting for clean tushy’s all over the world in an effort to reduce global waste. Founded by Miki Agrawal in 2015 her mission is to educate people on how “crap counts” and the importance a bidet has on our carbon footprint. Fun Fact Miki Agrawal is also one of the founders of Thinx. Clearly, she is determined to help shape our world for a better environmental future, this is a train I can definitely get on board. I hope you join “The Clean Butt Club”!
ALSO - their giveback cause aligns perfectly with their mission. A portion of Tushy profits go to build community toilets, enabling the poor in India to lead healthier, productive, and more-dignified lives.
Tushy’s brand voice is unapologetically frank, punny, and informative. They do not shy away from taboo subjects and have a playful way of talking about… butt stuff. They’re lovable! And as dirty as the subject can be, their brand identity is bright, clean, and with a neutral colour scheme - very accessible regardless of age or gender.